Vergnugungszug Op281

Vergnugungszug, Polka Schnell, Op281 by Johann Strauss
Originally written for orchestra
Arranged for 2 piccolos and piano by Bernard Boetto
Includes parts for each piccolo and a piano score
Duration: 3:00

This piece is a Schnell-Polka, which was influenced by the galop, a rapid simple dance in 2/4 meter.  The title, loosely translated as “Pleasure Train,” indicates that galops, and the polkas related to them, were danced by couples in a line or “train” that moved across or around the hall.  Originally for orchestra, it was published in 1864, and it is influenced by the polka as coming from Bohemia, in that a couple of its melodies accent the second beat of the measure.  Strauss' leaping melodies illustrate the reckless abandon with which the Schnell-Polka was commonly danced, with reflections of the polka's military associations found in the beginning passage.